Don't ever take off the bracelet. I always wear mine. I rarely get asked about it and usually it's by another veteran. You'd be surprised how many old army, navy, marine, Air Force guys are out there. For the occasional civvie I find it is an eye opener that freedom isn't free.

Don't take the bracelet off. Don't worry about it at all. MOST people are too unaware to notice it and the few that do will not mention it.

The tiebar ties are GREAT for what they are.

Please for the love of all that is good do NOT wear your Bates again.

THROW THEM AWAY. DO IT NOW

Amen on all accounts, and it doesn't matter if the Bates are leather or those ugly fire hazard plastic chlorfams, shit can those puppies ASAP! Old post so too late for OP but AE gives a discount to active and retired military through the military exchange. If they do not carry the shoe at AAFES then you can get a quote through special services. It is one of the reasons I am fond of AE,

It depends and has been changing lately but that is more a function of AAFES than AE from what I have been told.

On the exchange site there is a place to sign up for emails from AAFES. There is always at least a 10% discount available for mail orders and they will email you the code. A couple of times a year the 10% discount will increase for one day to any where from 15-20%. Standard stock (calf only) is listed at ~$220-250 depending on the model before discount and of course no tax and free shipping. Special Order items are exempt however from the standard email discount. If you get the Military Star card they also have additional discounts a couple of times a year especially before Christmas. Year before last it was 25% off including Special Order items.

To get a quote and then place an order for shoes not on the AAFES website-

To the left of the search box you will see a heading Special Services/Programs. Put your mouse over that and a drop down will appear, select special order program. When that page loads in the search by vendor I just type Allen. When the results page displays click on the link for ALLEN EDMOND'S FOOTWEAR. A form will show up which you have to fill the information out for what you want a quote on. After you submit it you get a reply back in a few days with the price and a phone number to call to place your order. The pricing is all across the board any more but is still usually pretty decent.